In a period where technological innovation influences the future of clinical training and education, most African countries face unique challenges in delivering essential healthcare services. As the world’s second-largest continent grapples with significant healthcare inequalities and disparities, the provision of kidney replacement therapy often remains beyond the reach of priority healthcare interventions in many African nations. Recent studies by Okpechi et al, (2021) highlight how resource limitations and infrastructure challenges continue to restrict access to essential renal services across the continent. This disparity is particularly evident in peritoneal dialysis, a crucial home-based treatment for kidney failure that accounts for approximately 11% of global dialysis provision.
Virtual reality technology seems to be emerging as a promising solution to bridge these healthcare gaps through innovative medical upskilling sessions. By creating immersive, computer generated three-dimensional environments, VR allows healthcare professionals, or trainee practitioners to engage in realistic training scenarios that simulate clinical procedures. This technological advancement offers promise for resource limited settings, where traditional training opportunities may be scarce.
This case study from Botswana exemplifies the transformative potential of VR in medical education, specifically in peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion training. Through the lens of this implementation, the author explores how innovative pedagogical approaches using VR as a supplementary training tool can enhance clinical skills development in resource constrained environments. The experience not only demonstrates the practical application of VR technology in medical training but also suggests a reasonable pathway towards expanding access to essential kidney replacement therapeutic support across Africa.
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